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Jerry Bergonzi: Simply Put

Jerry Bergonzi is a true giant among modern day saxophonists. The Boston-based artist's fourth effort for Savant is perhaps his finest solo outing to date, amid his extensive output as a first-call session ace. No frills or reinventions here, as Bergonzi cuts to the chase in buoyant fashion via his full- bodied tenor sax sound and razor sharp lines, dappled with edgy phrasings, and lyrically resplendent phrasings.

The saxophonist transmits an authoritative presence, abetted by his ace rhythm section. A brilliant improviser, Bergonzi whirls through medium to up-tempo swing grooves, interlaced with ferocious bop stylizations and sinuous unison choruses with pianist Bruce Barth. They improvise upon a given theme, often spiced with warmly melodic overtones and memorable hooks.

Bergonzi's sax parts are often drenched with emotive and vocal-like attributes, and he looms as a vivid storyteller on the revved up swing rendition of "Out Of Nowhere." The quartet executes an up-tempo ballad during "What If," as the leader translucently melds power with tenderness, while topping it off with yearning notes. Here and throughout, Barth acts as the middleman due to his vibrant comping and contrasting solo spots. Moreover, Bergonzi uses the soprano sax to generate a sweet harmonic overture on the finale, "Malaga." A superior modern jazz exposition.

In the fifties I enjoyed latin music. Then in the sixties I heard Stanz Getz and Charlie Byrd with Desafinado. That led me on the path to jazz.
Always interested in photography, so in the early '70s I started combining the two

In the fifties I enjoyed latin music. Then in the sixties I heard Stanz Getz and Charlie Byrd with Desafinado. That led me on the path to jazz.
Always interested in photography, so in the early '70s I started combining the two. No financial rewards, but immense satisfaction and, thanks to
linking up with writer Stan Britt, managed to meet (and photograph) some of my heroes: Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson.
Best gigs? Sinatra with Basie at the RFH, London, and Dexter Gordon at Ronnie Scott's.
Advice to new photographers? Be polite, obtain permission, remain invisible, and always thank when possible the musicians and venue operators.

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